One of the best ways to experience a new place is through food. Fortunately, Lake Arrowhead restaurants offer a wide variety of local dining options to suit every palate. From exquisite fine dining to grab-and-go cafes, there is something in Lake Arrowhead for everyone.
Fine Dining
Lake Arrowhead is home to several fine dining restaurants. These places are perfect for special occasions, whether it’s a first date or a tenth anniversary. Be sure to make a reservation! These are all very popular spots.
The Tudor House is one of the best restaurants in Lake Arrowhead. While this beautiful half-timbered building used to be a resort for some of southern California’s most famous- and infamous- residents, it is now a theater and one of the best restaurants in the region. Like most fine dining restaurants, the dinner menu varies from event to event, but the brunch menu is famous for its omelet bar. This is the best place in town to have dinner and see a show
For those in the mood for steak, The Saddleback Grill and Bar offers some of the best beef in the Inland Empire. This restaurant offers a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere, excellent service, and an extensive wine list. They are particularly well known for their steaks, ribs, and roast duck.
In contrast, Bin 189 offers a more urbane take on fine dining. This restaurant offers a refined atmosphere and beautifully plated food. Among the stars of its menu are the angel hair pasta with Pomodoro sauce, short ribs, and Dover sole. This restaurant also offers a comprehensive wine list and a large cocktail menu.
Casual Fare
While fine dining is lovely, it’s not for every occasion. If you’re after a more casual dining experience, Lake Arrowhead restaurants offer plenty of options.
Arguably the best restaurant in Lake Arrowhead, Loueddie’s Pizza offers fresh twists on old favorites. Diners can try classic pies like pepperoni or cheese. Or, they can try something more exotic, such as the Peking Pig pizza, featuring pork belly, hoisin sauce, and fresh arugula. Loueddie’s also has great vegetarian and gluten-free offerings. And to top it all off, this restaurant offers both house-made dessert pizzas and cannoli for dessert. Diners can take all of this in on their patio overlooking some beautiful mountain scenery.
However, if you’re looking for a little bit of kitsch and Lake Arrowhead nostalgia, don’t look any further than Woody’s Boathouse. Specializing in classic California cuisine, this restaurant is decorated in a nautical theme; even the seats are made from boats! This Lake Arrowhead restaurant, like many others, also boasts a gorgeous lake view. Diners can expect a fresh salad bar and American cuisine with a San Bernadino twist.
El Papagayos is another great restaurant with a patio. Located in Lake Arrowhead Village, El Papagayos offers authentic Mexican food and a stellar view of the lake. They are particularly famous for their fantastic margaritas. This is a place to get great Mexican food and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Located in the same building as El Papagayos, Lake Arrowhead Pizza Deli and Arcade is primarily known as a great casual restaurant. Their menu is full of popular choices like burgers, spaghetti, and, of course, pizza. Best of all, they offer an old-fashioned arcade stocked with all kinds of video games. This restaurant is very family-friendly. It’s a perfect place to take the kids while visiting Lake Arrowhead Village.
Last of all, the Belgian Waffle House is a local treasure. Serving seventeen different specialty waffles from savory to sweet, this place has something for every kind of waffle lover. Their lunch selection offers various salads, sandwiches, and of course, waffle fries. This is one of the best-loved restaurants in Lake Arrowhead, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
Quick Service Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Sometimes a quick bite is all there is time for. Fortunately, there are Lake Arrowhead restaurants that specialize in quick-service sandwiches, baked goods, and specialty coffees. These restaurants all serve ready-made and made-to-order food, as well as beverages and treats. Diners will certainly find something fast and tasty at one of these eateries.
The Tea and Coffee Exchange in Lake Arrowhead Village offers wonderful espresso drinks, an expansive tea selection, and an assortment of treats to snack on while sipping a drink. Be sure to check out their bananas Foster crepe. This is a peaceful enclave in the middle of Lake Arrowhead Village.
Another coffee shop worth a look is Hot Shots Coffeehouse in the nearby village of Blue Jay. This place serves coffee beverages, sandwiches, and fresh baked goods. They even have a yogurt bar!
Finally, Bill’s Village Coffee Shop, also in Blue Jay, serves diner-style food in a comfortable atmosphere. Operating since the 1950s, this is the most venerable of Lake Arrowhead restaurants. Bill’s is locally renowned for its great breakfasts and excellent coffee. Unlike the other coffee shops on this list, they do not serve espresso, though they make up for it in home-cooked charm and really good food.
In conclusion, Lake Arrowhead restaurants have a lot to offer. Whether you’re a gastro-tourist or someone looking for a quick lunch between boat races, there is something in Lake Arrowhead for you.
